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As the SNP replace Labour as an urban party, the old Tory rural stomping grounds in the north-east are showing signs of going back to their roots.

Ruth Davidson has put the SNP on notice that the Tories are coming to get them. But Robertson, who is also SNP deputy leader, is not going to take that lying down.

“There is unhappiness about the sense of arrogant entitlement from Ruth Davidson and Theresa May, who say they are coming for us,” said Robertson.

He’s speaking in the Craigellachie Hotel on Speyside, the discreet location for high-level SNP pow-wows. It is a place that gives Robertson confidence.

He insisted: “Moray hasn’t elected a Tory MP since 1983. I don’t think they’re going to start now.”

Turning his fire on his Tory opponent, MSP and football referee Douglas Ross, he added: “Especially when they are presented with a candidate who has still not resigned his seat at the Scottish Parliament and has outside paid employment running the touchline.”

Ross added: “There are a lot of people in Moray who feel the SNP have forgotten their heartlands for central Scotland and a lot of people are very annoyed that the ‘once in a generation’ vote on independence has been ignored.

“Another lot of people who voted for Brexit haven’t voted Conservative for years but think the SNP no longer speaks for them.”

That Moray voted 58 per cent No against independence in 2014 and came within 122 votes of backing Brexit last year is what makes Ross feel it is third time lucky.

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But the last Tory was elected here in 1983 – probably the fault of Margaret Thatcher, whose signed portrait hangs on the fireplace above Ross’s head. Is he embarrassed by her? “No, no, not at all. She was Britain’s first female prime minister,” he said, though he did blush.

Angus Robertson is hoping for a sea of yellow votes at the election (Image: PETER JOLLY NORTHPIX)

“She became PM four years before I was even born. We have a totally new party now. The idea that we are all sons and daughters of Thatcher is a comparison that isn’t made any more.”

Ross had caught my reporter’s eye scanning the Thatcher portrait and had his answer ready. He is a professional and charming with it. Like a young Angus Robertson, really.

When Robertson took this seat in 2001 he beat Labour– remember them – by just 1744 votes. He now has 49 per cent of the vote but while the council estates and the Buckie fishermen may stay strong, there is movement.

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At the Scottish elections, the equivalent constituency saw a dramatic 18 per cent increase in Tory support.

The Tories made impressive gains at the council elections, securing the highest number of first preference votes in all eight Moray wards and winning 36 per cent of the vote compared with the SNP’s 31.6.

Robertson maintains a relaxed but determined air. He believes the Tory vote may have maxed out.

He explained: “Tory supporters were energised and agitated in the council elections while we didn’t get our vote out as much as we would like. Everything is down to turnout.